Mamdani’s call for federal arrest of Netanyahu sparks backlash from Jewish leaders
The mayor's comments stem from an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in 2024 accusing Netanyahu of alleged war crimes connected to the war in Gaza.
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani is calling on the federal government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his planned visit to New York City for the United Nations General Assembly in September, despite acknowledging that the city has no authority to detain him.
Mamdani’s comments stem from an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in 2024 accusing Netanyahu of alleged war crimes connected to the war in Gaza.
The United States does not recognize the ICC’s authority.
In a video posted to social media, Mamdani said, “Benjamin Netanyahu is not welcome in New York City, nor is any other war criminal at large.” He urged federal officials to “join the ICC and execute this warrant,” a message that has been viewed more than 58 million times.
The video became a central focus of questioning at Mamdani’s press conference Wednesday. When asked why he did not reference the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack in his remarks, Mamdani said he views the attack as “a horrific war crime,” but also accused Netanyahu of “orchestrating this genocide,” calling him a war criminal. When pressed on whether he considers Oct. 7 a genocide, Mamdani said it was “something deeply opposed by every single fiber of my being.”
Jewish leaders across the city criticized Mamdani’s comments, saying his rhetoric is divisive at a time of rising antisemitism.
The UJA-Federation of New York said in a statement that “repeatedly singling out and vilifying the world’s only Jewish state for perceived political benefit is repugnant, puts Jews at great risk and leaves many Jewish New Yorkers feeling targeted and unwelcome in the city we call home.”
The United Jewish Teachers group also sent a letter to the police commissioner calling for increased security at Jewish schools and houses of worship.
Mamdani said he is not singling out Netanyahu and would take the same position toward anyone he considers a war criminal.
“There are Jewish New Yorkers who agree, there are those who disagree with my analysis,” he said. “My responsibility to them is to ensure they are cherished, they are celebrated and they are safe in their city.”
President Donald Trump also weighed in, saying Netanyahu “will not be arrested in any way, shape or form while in the United States.”
